John Hall - AEGON Coach of the Month
John Hall, tennis coach at Barnet Lawn Tennis Club, Middlesex has been nominated for September’s AEGON Coach of the Month after his 20 years of commitment to tennis coaching.
John is known at Barnett for his incredible positive and supportive attitude both on and off the court. Always taking the extra step to encourage players, John has been described as a role model by parents after helping children become involved in the sport.
On learning of his achievement, John said: “I was completely taken aback when I found I had won the award for the LTA AEGON Coach of the Month. I had no idea anyone had nominated me, which made it even more exciting. It was so nice that someone thought I was worthy of it. I’ve been working for 20 years now at Barnet LTC. So maybe it’s a reward for perseverance!"
At the moment John has been preparing for a new term, trying to find places for kids who want to continue playing tennis after summer holiday camps.
“It’s hard work but I love the holiday camps, as it brings in a new bunch of kids each week who often end up staying and playing for years. As it’s often the first taste of tennis for some of the kids, it’s so important to make it fun and be encouraging to all of them whatever their ability.”
The LTA Middlesex County Office commented: “John is a worthy winner of this award; he is at a clubmarked club, which regularly runs competitions and is very supportive of junior and adult tennis."
Off court John has been working on a new coaching website which he has set up with help from his coaching assistant, Doug, and his brother Gordon who is the technical expert.
“We’re keeping it updated with all weekly and holiday forms and information, and also a guide to internal and external competition. This will be linking into the LTA’s new competition search tool. We’re hoping that it will help boost the number of players competing both at the club and outside.”
John is also dedicated to helping his club grow in numbers and programmes to cater for all needs.
“We are in need of a new clubhouse and I’m helping to develop a Sports Development Plan as my part of the project. There are 5 items - trying to increase the number of girls playing; developing a programme for local disability groups; improving the way the club promotes itself; to increase the amount of activity taking place midweek daytimes; and to increase the number of adults and juniors taking part in competitions. Working on all those areas is going to keep me very busy!"